by Verena Dobnik NEW YORK (AP)—A silent march by thousands of people in New York City protesting police “stop-and-frisk” tactics on Sunday was punctuated by an explosion of loud voices. “We’ve got to fight back, we can’t be silent!” a group of activists shouted as they passed the home of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, just off Fifth Avenue. COALITION MARCHES—Rev. Al Sharpton, center, walks with demonstrators during a silent march to end the “stop-and-frisk” program in New York, June 17. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) But the rest of the quiet, slow procession from Harlem down the avenue was interrupted only by the tapping of feet on the pavement and birds chirping in trees along Central Park.

The importance of determination and giving back to the community are just a few of the skills National Football League player Brandon Marshall taught at his self-titled free Youth Football Camp, June 2, at the Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy field. Marshall, a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, partnered with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and other areas, and together they hosted more than 400 boys and girls ages 7-14 at the one-day camp. WELCOME—Brandon Marshall talks to campers before they start drills at the Brandon Marshall Youth Football Camp. (Courier ­Photos/William McBride) “It was great. This was more hands on, he ran every drill with the kids and makes it more of a life camp,” said Jason Bell, Pittsburgh director of the Brandon Marshall Camp and former Pittsburgh Public Schools coach. Bell said he has seen a lot of camps, but was very impressed with this one. “He gave a testimony of how he got into the NFL and that it’s important to give back to the community,” he said.

by Adam GellerAP National Writer (AP)—Looking back, the financial lives many Americans enjoyed until just a few years ago can seem like a mirage. On a suburban cul-de-sac northwest of Atlanta, Michael and Patricia Jackson are struggling to keep a house worth $100,000 less than they owe. STRUGGLING—Michael, left, and Patricia Jackson are photographed in their home June 16, in Marietta, Ga. On a suburban cul-de-sac northwest of Atlanta, the Jacksons are struggling to keep a house worth $100,000 less than they owe. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

DETROIT (AP) — Former NFL star Jerome Bettis visited a new, $21.8 million Detroit school and announced he’s giving $15,000 to support parent engagement efforts. The Detroit native stopped June 14 at the Mackenzie pre-kindergarten to 8th grade school. The building opens in the fall and was constructed on the campus of the old Mackenzie High School where Bettis starred. GIVING BACK—Former NFL star and Detroit Public Schools alumnus Jerome Bettis, alongside DPS Superintendent of Academics Karen Ridgeway, announces a partnership to support a brand new parent engagement initiative on behalf of his “The Bus Stops Here Foundation,” June 14, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Detroit News, David Coates)

On June 14 the African-American Leadership Association held its 4th annual summit. Themed “Misson Possible With Black Leadership,” the summit educated members of the Black community on how to be strong leaders in various aspects of their personal and professional lives. “Our purpose always is to help people understand their influence and to help them be leaders wherever they are,” said Bernadette Turner, AALA co-founder. HONOREES—From left: Charles Cook, Reggie Good, Tamanika Howze, Tiffani Best, Sylvester Struthers (accepting on behalf of Odell Robinson) and Ricky Moody. (Photo by Erin Perry) The day-long summit concluded with a keynote speech by Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin, nationally recognized author, speaker, and life coach. Earlier throughout the day, attendees were given leadership lessons in education, money, politics, technology and the workplace.

by Anthony McCartney LOS ANGELES (AP)—Just a few months ago, Rodney King was once again the center of attention as the world checked back in on the man whose videotaped beating by police sparked one of the nation’s worst race riots. King had left Los Angeles behind, moving an hour east to a home where neighbors would often hear him splashing in the pool late at night. HISTORIC VIDEO IMAGE—This March 3, 1991 image made from video provided by KTLA Los Angeles shows police officers beating a man, later identified as Rodney King. (AP Photo/Courtesy of KTLA Los Angeles, George Holliday) The physical and emotional scars from the more than 50 baton blows remained, but King struck an upbeat note on his life. “America’s been good to me after I paid the price and stayed alive through it all,” he told The Associated Press. “This part of my life is the easy part now.”

by Linda Deutsch LOS ANGELES (AP)–Rodney King, who died Sunday after a troubled life, never meant to change the Los Angeles Police Department—but that’s what he ended up doing. The mention of King’s name will always recall painful video images of his 1991 beating and the following year’s Los Angeles riots, which were sparked by the acquittals of the officers and resulted in vast destruction and dozens of deaths. RODNEY KING But the King affair also transformed basic practices of policing, not just in Los Angeles but across the country, author Lou Cannon said.

There is an ongoing concern about the negative actions of an overwhelming number of Black males. You watch TV, read the newspaper daily and our sons are portrayed as drug dealers, drug users, robbers, burglars, thieves, killers, etc.